Saturday, February 25, 2012

Black and White Design

The design on the top is a design created from white shapes, which are outlines of kitchen objects. Not being able to change the scale of items or overlap them was challenging and I had a hard time coming up with a design. The design on the bottom is created by using the negative space from the first design. I ended up combining the black shapes in such a way that the design still looks like white on black. Or, white is prominent simply because it's the lighter color.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Scale & Proportion Examples

Example of Surrealistic Design Using Shifting Scale



Scale & Proportion

I chose Claes Oldenburg sculpture entitled, “Typewriter Eraser, Scale X” (page 76) as an example of scale and proportion to call attention to an object. Recreating an everyday object in monumental size can’t help but emphasize the object, calling the viewer in to take a closer look at a normal every day object.

Although we are not likely to come across a typewriter eraser in our typical day, I am interested in how this object, when reproduced so large, becomes a great design. I think it’s appropriate that the photo includes children, as the sculpture feels playful, probably by nature of the large circle and the use of 2 primary colors. As the text mentions, the average person would not notice the graceful strands of the brush if they were to look at this in its original size.

The photo below, on the right, taken by Melanie Einzig is another example of the power of unusual scale. The irony in the photograph is emphasized by “human scale reference”, especially when the human is not looking like he’s feeling very festive.


Friday, February 10, 2012

Emphasis and Focal Point

CONTRAST
Cimots Interior Design
This photo, from an Interior Design Website, shows and obvious contrasting color. My immediate focus is on the bright pink coffe table, a contrasting color from the rest of the items in the room.


ISOLATION
Ansel Adams
Like the example in our reading in the painting by Thomas Eakins, this photo by Ansel Adams has two light sources. The two faces are far enough apart to be considered isolated. I think the emphasis is on the face of Georgia O'Keeffe, which is lighter.
Georgia O’Keeffe and Orville Cox, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona - Ansel Adams


PLACEMENT
Melanie Einzig
Although this is a busy photograph, I think it works. My eye is drawn to the sign on the bottom, then follows the curve on the statue of liberty’s arm, completing the curve created by the red window frame and down to the “horned hat” of the man on the right.
Street Photographer - Melanie Einzig





ONE ELEMENT
Frida Kahlo
Another busy painting with emphasis clearly on one element -- Frida, centered, large, pink dress.
Self-Portrait on the Border Line Between Mexico and the United States. 1932. Oil on metal 31.7 x 35 cm. -
Frida Kahlo


ABSENCE OF FOCAL POINT
It seem like the road should be the focal point in this photo but it doesn't work. Maybe there's not enough contrast or perhaps it is because it runs through the photo and directly off the page. I find my eyes wandering.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

PROXIMITY
link: http://www.utdallas.edu/~melacy/pages/unity.html
The painting by Thomas P. Anshutz of workers on their lunch
break shows the idea of unity by proximity. The lighter elements of the
workers’ bodies are arranged carefully to unite visually. Arms stretch and reach out to touch or overlap adjoining figures so the bodies form a large horizontal unit stretching across
the painting.




REPETITION-SIMILARITY
link: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.arthit.ru/abstract/0079/abstract-art-40.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.arthit.ru/abstract/0079/abstract-art-40.html&h=383&w=533&sz=126&tbnid=UI-2INz66dXSgM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=125&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dunity%2Bin%2Babstract%2Bart%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=unity+in+abs"
Art Hit Gallery - Contemporary Art
“Divine Unity”
This painting, entitled “Divine Unity” is an example of unity created by repetition of similar shapes - overlapping circles.




REPETITION-VARIETY
link: http://www.utdallas.edu/~melacy/pages/unity.html
In this painting, entitled, “GOING HOME”, Jacob Lawrence balances unity and variety. He repeats a theme of lines, shapes and colors of the train seats, figures and luggage, then repeats and varies the theme. (varied repetition in the green chair seats and window shades).




CONTINUATION
link: http://www.utdallas.edu/~melacy/pages/unity.html
In Degas’ drawing, there is continuity in the form from the line where the round tub starts at the bather’s hairline, meets her fingertips, and joins the vertical line of the shelf where the brush handle overlaps. The brush continues the flowing line throughout the curved articles on the shelf.




GRID AS ORGANIZING
link: http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/files/elements2.htm
I chose this painting because, although it’s not as obvious as some, the vertical shapes intersect with the two strong, wavy, horizontal lines extending across the canvas, forming a grid.




CHAOTIC - UNREADABLE
link: http://www.canstockphoto.com/images-photos/chaotic.html
I think this is just beautiful, and an example of unity, chaotic and unreadable, created by soft flowing curved “lines”, asimilar texture and a pastel theme.




NON-OBJECTIVE EXRESSION of UNITY
link: Nonwithoutart.com
This sculpture, “Blocks represents a non-objective form of unity. It works beautifully together, the tubular shape on the right of the 3 squares balance each other, the tube on the bottom is shown cross section, which ties it in with the square shapes and the tubular shape on top, arching to the right makes the entire scultpture have a beautiful unified flow. To me, it represents dance or motion, but I think the objective is to be, well, non-objective.




FIGURATIVE EXPRESSION OF UNITY
link: worldofgood.com
This sculpture, entitle “Family Unity” is an example of a figurative expression of unity, based on unifying circular shapes, and a continuity in the flow.
She nestles her head beneath his chin while both reach out to their children.